For 14 years, the Party by the Parrett music festival in Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset, has been a beacon of community spirit and fundraising success. Now, organisers proudly announce that the event has raised over £200,000 for local village projects, marking a remarkable achievement for this beloved annual gathering.
What started in 2011 with just 900 tickets sold and a modest profit of £6,500 has grown dramatically. Today, the festival attracts more than 2,000 attendees, becoming a much-anticipated fixture in the local calendar. The funds raised in the first five years helped finance the construction of a new Community Centre and Shop, opened in 2017, which continues to serve as a vital hub for residents.
Subsequent profits have funded essential improvements such as a large car park adjacent to the Community Centre and the complete renovation of the children’s play area at the recreation ground—both paid for entirely through festival proceeds without relying on external grants.
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Kevin Cox, founder and committee member, reflects on the festival’s journey: “Party by the Parrett is almost one of a kind in Somerset. It’s about the community coming together to raise money for the community, all while having a great time. We never imagined back in 2011 that we’d still be here, thriving and having raised over £200,000 for Kingsbury Episcopi. It’s an incredible accomplishment, and I want to thank everyone who has ever joined us for making such a positive impact on our village.”
In 2025, the festival will celebrate this milestone alongside the 40th anniversary of the legendary Live Aid concert. The lineup will feature performances of songs famously played at Wembley and Philadelphia in July 1985, re-creating the spirit of that historic event.
Kevin added, “Just like Live Aid, we raise money for causes that people care about while providing exceptional entertainment. While I’m no Sir Bob Geldof, we’re set to deliver two stages, 15 live acts over 10 hours—many local to Somerset—a fully stocked bar, tropical cocktail tent, food stalls, kids’ activities, and, new this year, a Silent Disco. It’s a fantastic family day out with all profits reinvested into village projects.”
Party by the Parrett 2025 will take place on Saturday, July 5, promising another unforgettable day of music, fun, and community spirit.